Leaders of the INDIA bloc, including Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray, and NCP chief Sharad Pawar, refuted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claim that their alliance would bulldoze the Ram temple if elected. They emphasised their commitment to protecting the religious freedom of all citizens and adhering to the Constitution. Pics/ Atul Kamble
Updated On: 2024-05-18 03:23 PM IST
Compiled by : Sanjana Deshpande
During a press conference in Mumbai, Kharge accused Modi of inciting people with false claims. Thackeray assured that the INDIA bloc would complete the Ram temple construction, and Pawar stated their government would safeguard all religious places. Kharge reiterated that reservations for SC, ST, and OBC communities would remain as per the Constitution.
Kharge stressed that the INDIA bloc's government would operate within the framework of the Constitution. He rejected Modi's allegations as divisive and misleading, asserting that the Congress has no intention of using bulldozers against any religious structures.
Kharge responded to questions about Article 370 by stating that their policies would be based on their manifesto, not on Modi’s provocations. He criticised the Prime Minister for trying to divide society and using inflammatory rhetoric during his campaigns.
Kharge highlighted the Congress's role in enacting the Food Security Act, contrasting it with Modi’s claim of providing free ration. He pointed out that Congress has promised to increase the ration to 10 kg per person, aiming to ensure better food security for the needy.
Thackeray criticised the BJP for calling his party "fake" and suggested that BJP might soon label the RSS as "fake" too. He highlighted the BJP’s attempts to distance itself from the RSS, the organisation that founded it, and accused the BJP of trying to create false narratives.
Thackeray mentioned that the INDIA alliance has several potential prime ministerial candidates, in contrast to the BJP's single, ineffective leader. He expressed confidence in the alliance’s plans and strategies for when they gain a majority, underscoring their unity and preparedness.
Thackeray pledged that the INDIA alliance would restore Mumbai and Maharashtra's lost glory. He accused the BJP-led government of misusing central agencies to intimidate opponents and promised that the alliance would end the BJP's era of empty promises and bring real change.
Kharge condemned Modi for divisive tactics, asserting that the people of Maharashtra would reject such politics. He predicted that the INDIA bloc would win 46 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Kharge also emphasised the need to simplify GST and cater to the people's needs, offering a vision of a more hopeful and inclusive governance under the INDIA alliance.
